Optimization of Size Exclusion Chromatography and Atmospheric Pressure Ionization Enabling Characterization of Intact Lignin and Its Degradation Products

摘要

An ESI HRMS method for high MW lignin species (up to 9,000 Da) detection was developed. Both, ESI and APCI can be used for the detection of low MW species, however ESI is preferable due to a higher ionization efficiency. Nine dimeric and trimeric standards of lignin degradation products have been synthesized. Preliminary separation by chromatography is required for qualitative analysis due to standards' (-OCH) and polymer fragmentation. SEC columns (both, GPC and GFC) were shown to be affected by non-SEC interactions except for one. Reverse phase HPLC can be used for polymer separation based on polarity.